Stand up paddleboarding has exploded in popularity over the past few years and an Ambridge business is inviting the community to learn why.

Stand Up Pittsburgh is hosting a spring open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 16 at 507 Eighth St. in Ambridge.

“A lot of people try it on vacation and see it on vacation or see all these celebrities doing it and want to know more about it," said Ty Musser, co-owner of the shop. "This is a good chance to come down and find out more about it.”

Stand Up Pittsburgh will be offering exclusive specials at the open house on Friday. Visitors can enter to win a free lesson package, valued at $90, T-shirts and other swag. Check out board package specials or find deals on used and demo boards. Snacks and drinks also will be served.

Stand up paddleboarding is described as a combination between surfing and kayaking where participants stand on a board similar to a surf board and use a paddle to glide across the water.

Musser said the watersport offers many benefits, including a full body workout.

"We offer lessons, tours, rentals, we sell boards,” he said. “People can come and talk to us about how to get into it."